Management System Rules

• Upon acceptance of terms by both parties and payment of the token advance, MAX will make the necessary arrangements with the applicant for further action.
• On request, MAX will perform a pre-assessment to determine preliminary compliance with relevant standards and readiness for the initial audit.
• MAX shall nominate an audit team to evaluate all information collected from the applicant and conduct the audit on its behalf. Technical experts and language translators may be attached to the team as required.
• Prior to audit, the auditee must submit evidence that a complete internal audit and management review of the management system has been conducted.
• Details of the audit team members and technical experts will be intimated to the auditee.
• MAX shall perform an on-site review of the auditee's documented policy, manual and procedures for compliance to applicable standards (Stage I). Deviations must be resolved and concurrence obtained before Stage II.
• The audit team audits the management system against applicable certification requirements and provides a formal written report. The auditee is invited to comment on findings and confirm corrective actions.
• All identified nonconformities shall be corrected prior to the grant of certification.

MAX conducts surveillance audits within twelve months of the previous audit, ensuring the entire management system is audited against every applicable element of the relevant standard over three years. A re-assessment is required to continue certification for an additional three-year period. Frequency will be modified if the client makes major modifications to its management system.

Examples that may prompt suspension include:

• Non-payment in accordance with the agreement.
• Significant areas of non-conformance with applicable management standards.
• Ineffective or untimely correction of observed non-conformances.
• Ineffective completion of programme revisions required to meet revised standards.
• Misuse of certification / accreditation body marks, logos or symbols.
• Not providing facilities for surveillance or verification audit.
• Voluntary request for suspension by the certified client.

If conditions are fulfilled within six to eight weeks, MAX will remove the suspension and notify the client; otherwise the certification will be cancelled and the certificate withdrawn.

In the event of changes to certification criteria or revisions to applicable international standards, MAX will notify the client and specify an effective date for the change. A plan and schedule for monitoring the client's actions to achieve conformity to the revised criteria will be provided.